Contact: Sammy McDavid
High school seniors from Greenwood, Tupelo, Oxford, and Saucier are receiving the largest scholastic awards offered by Mississippi State University.
The $28,000 Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarships are announced each spring. They cover the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, and books during four years of study.
Chosen by a special committee, the 1997 selections include John H. Kosko of Greenwood, Kathryn S. McAllister of Tupelo, Jenny M. Reeves of Oxford, and Jonathan T. Scott of Saucier.
They were among nearly 500 students applying this year for the scholarships, which first were made available in 1987.
The awards were established through a major endowment by the private Schillig Trust of Port Gibson. Applicants must have evidence of leadership ability, a minimum American College Test composite score of 29 (maximum: 36) and exceptionally high grades.
"Schillig Scholars represent the best of Mississippi State's student body and these four young people will continue that tradition," said committee chairman Bill Foster.
Schillig Scholars participate in a variety of special campus activities and meet regularly with leaders in education, industry, government, and business. They also are expected to be active in student organizations and programs.
This year's group was formally recognized April 13 at a campus luncheon and reception that precede annual Scholarship Recognition Day activities, Foster said.